Multi-frequency piezoelectric energy harvester

ABSTRACT

An energy harvesting device is provided. The energy harvesting device includes structural members covered with piezoelectric material resonating at different primary frequencies. As the structure to which the energy harvesting device is secured vibrates over a range of frequencies, more than one member resonates or is close to resonance. As such, multiple members work simultaneously to create electrical energy.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to electromechanical energy harvesting devices, and more particularly to a piezoelectric energy harvesting device which resonates at multiple primary frequencies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Modern vehicles, and in particular aircraft, employ a multitude of sensors to monitor various aspects of vehicle performance and integrity. Many of these “health management” sensors and transceivers require little electrical power to operate. Such sensors are often hard-wired to a main power source. This wiring can undesirably increase the weight and complexity of the vehicle.

[0003] To avoid such complexity and increased weight, recent low power sensors utilize a wireless design. In a wireless design, the sensor is not hard wired to a main power or data collection source. Rather, a dedicated power supply is provided along with the sensor. The most common form of such a dedicated power supply is a chemical battery.

[0004] While such battery operated sensors are in use, there is still room for improvement in the art. For example, batteries have a finite lifetime and must therefore undergo periodic replacement. In some instances, access to the sensor and battery is limited, requiring extensive and costly disassembly and reassembly for maintenance. Temperature changes also affect battery performance.

[0005] In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a self-powered sensor that reduces dependence on batteries or any other external power source. For example, an energy harvester that extracts energy from the vibrating structure to which the sensor is attached would eliminate the drawbacks of current configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An energy harvesting device provides the above and other objects. The device includes a base attached to a vibrating structure. A plurality of cantilevered beams extend from the base. The base transfers vibrations of the structure to the beams. Each beam resonates at a different frequency. Piezoelectric material is attached to each beam. As each beam bends due to the imparted vibrations, the piezoelectric material strains and converts a fraction of the imparted mechanical energy to electrical energy. A circuit electrically connected to the piezoelectric material receives and stores the energy for use by the sensor or conditions it for immediate use.

[0007] A particular advantage of the above configuration is that the mechanical resonance of the beams amplifies the imparted base vibrations. The amplified strain is transmitted to the piezoelectric material. Further, if the vibration excites the device over a range of frequencies, then more than one beam will resonate, or will be close to resonance, and create electrical energy. Vibrations covering a broad band of frequencies cause multiple beams to work simultaneously to contribute to the electrical energy generation.

[0008] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. The detailed description and specific examples are intended only to illustrate the device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a plan view of an energy harvesting device according to the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary beam of the energy harvesting device of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the energy harvesting device according to the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a plan view of another alternate embodiment of the energy harvesting device according to the present invention; and

[0014]FIG. 5 is a plan view of yet another alternate embodiment o the energy harvesting device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0016] An energy harvesting device is provided for creating electrical energy from mechanical vibrations. Advantageously, the energy harvesting device of the present invention includes members covered with piezoelectric material resonating at different primary frequencies. In this way, as the structure to which the energy harvesting device is secured vibrates over a range of frequencies, more than one member in the device could resonate. As such, multiple members work simultaneously to create electrical energy.

[0017] Turning to FIG. 1, a plan view of the energy harvesting device 10 of the present invention is provided. The device 10 includes a housing or base 12 coupled to a structure 14. The structure may be, for example, a panel below the galley in an aircraft or any other structure known to exhibit ambient vibrations. The device 10 is preferably secured about its perimeter to the structure 14 by an adhesive or the like so that the device 10 lies in a plane parallel to the structure 14. Alternatively, the device 10 could be secured along one side to the structure 14. Although a myriad of sizes are possible, the presently preferred embodiment of the device 10 is about 2×2×0.060 inches.

[0018] A plurality of members 16 extend from the base 12. The members 16 are formed as cantilevered beams having a proximate or fixed end secured to the base 12 and a distal or free end spaced apart therefrom by the length of the member 16. The members are preferably formed integrally with the base 12. To conserve space, the base 12 is formed in an annular shape such that the members 16 project inwardly towards one another. Alternatively, a linear or curved configuration for the base 12 could also be used.

[0019] The plurality of members 16 are designed to resonate over a range of frequencies. In the illustrated embodiment, this is accomplished by establishing different lengths for the plurality of members 16. The shortest member 16 is the highest frequency beam while the longest member 16 is the lowest frequency beam.

[0020] Alternatively, different masses or mass distributions may also be employed. The particular lengths employed (or masses/mass distributions) can be selected to provide resonant frequencies complimentary of the vibrations in the structure 14. Advantageously, the device 10 is scalable to suit a variety of frequencies by controlling its size.

[0021] The members 16 are preferably formed of a material having low damping, high yield strength, and high electrical resistivity. Currently, aluminum covered with a non-conductive material is preferred. Each member 16 includes piezoelectric material 18 disposed thereon.

[0022] Turning now to FIG. 2, an exemplary member 16 is illustrated in greater detail. The member 16 is formed as an elongated beam having a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. Response motion at the distal end of the member 16, indicated by arrows RM, results from input motion at the proximal end of the member 16, indicated by arrows IM. The input motion is received from the structure 14 (see FIG. 1).

[0023] A first electrode 20 is adhered or otherwise secured to one side of the elongated member 16. A first piezoelectric member 22 is adhered or otherwise secured to the first electrode 20. A second electrode 24 is adhered or otherwise secured to the first piezoelectric member 22 so as to sandwich the first piezoelectric member 22 between the first and second electrodes 20 and 24. A positive electrical lead 26 a is coupled to the second electrode 24 by, for example, solder joint 28 a. A negative electrical lead 26 b is coupled to the first electrode 20 by, for example, solder joint 28 b. The leads 26 a and 26 b are coupled at an opposite end to a circuit 30.

[0024] A third electrode 32 is adhered or otherwise secured to a second side of the member 16 opposite the first electrode 20. A second piezoelectric member 34 is adhered or otherwise secured to the third electrode 32. A fourth electrode 36 is adhered or otherwise secured to the second piezoelectric member 34 so as to sandwich the second piezoelectric member 34 between the third and fourth electrodes 32 and 36. A positive electrical lead 38 a is coupled to the fourth electrode 36 by, for example, solder joint 40 a. A negative electrical lead 38 b is coupled to the third electrode 32 by, for example, solder joint 40 b. The leads 38 a and 38 b are coupled at an opposite end to the circuit 30.

[0025] Since certain members 16 vibrate out of phase with one another, it is presently preferred to provide each individual member 16 with its own electrical leads such that each acts as an separate energy generator. If the entire device 10 can be made to vibrate in phase, each side of the device 10 could be coated with piezoelectric material and one conductor could be used on each side. This could simplify the design of the device 10. Further, there could be piezoelectric material on only one side of the beams. Or, the beams themselves could be formed of the piezoelectric material.

[0026] Referring now collectively to FIGS. 1 and 2, an operation of the device 10 will be described. Ambient vibrations in the structure 14 are transferred through the base 10 to the members 16. The members 16 vibrate and bend in response to the vibration of the structure 14. When the members 16 bend, the first and second piezoelectric members 22 and 34 strain and convert mechanical strain energy into to electrical energy. The electrodes 20, 24, 32, and 36 direct the electrical energy to the leads 26 and 38, which convey the electrical energy to the circuit 30, which stores it for later use or conditions it for immediate use. The circuit 30, harvests the energy and preferably combines the energy from the individual members 16.

[0027] A particularly advantageous feature of the device 10 is that it includes a structure which vibrates at a plurality of primary resonant frequencies. That is, since the members 16 vary in length, different natural frequencies exist within the device 10. The mechanical resonance of the members 16 amplify the vibration of the structure 14 to which the device 10 is attached. If the vibration of the structure 14 causes the device 10 to shake over a range of frequencies, more than one of the beams may resonate, or be close to resonance, and will create electrical energy via the piezoelectric members 22 and 34. For input vibrations covering a broad band of frequencies, multiple members 16 work simultaneously to contribute to energy generation.

[0028] Turning now to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the form of device 10 a. This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment with the exception of the configuration of the base 12 a and the members 16 a. In this embodiment, the base 12 a is circular and the members 16 a project inwardly therefrom in an interdigitated manner.

[0029] Turning now to FIG. 4, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the form of device 10 b. This embodiment is identical to the first two embodiments with the exception of the configuration of the base 12 b and the members 16 b. In this embodiment, the base 12 b is circular and the members 16 b radially project outwardly therefrom. The members 16 b also include divergent side walls which places more mass of each member 16 b at a distal end thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the members 16 b are placed at 20 degree segments. In further contrast to prior embodiments, the device 10 b is preferably secured to an adjacent structure at a central mounting point 42.

[0030] Turning now to FIG. 5, yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the form of device 10 c. This embodiment is identical to the first three embodiments with the exception of the configuration of the base 12 c and members 16 c. In this embodiment, the base 12 c is circular and the members 16 c radially project outwardly therefrom. The members 16 c include substantially parallel side walls. In the illustrated embodiment, the members 16 c are placed at 20 degree segments. The device 12 c is preferably secured to an adjacent structure at a central mounting point 42 c.

[0031] The planar devices described above respond to vibrations primarily in one direction. Other configurations of the device need not be planar. For example, the members 16 could be made tubular and mounted so as to radially project from a spherical base. Such a spherical configuration would generate energy from vibrations in any direction.

[0032] The use of the above described invention is advantageous in that devices powered by the energy harvester can be located in hard to access locations as little or no maintenance of the device is required. Being self-powered, there is less likelihood of the need to disassemble the structure or its surroundings for maintenance. Also, the device generates multiple resonant frequencies without any mechanism to vary its geometry. Such a solid-state design improves reliability. Further, a variety of configurations of the beams in the device is possible thereby allowing adaptation to specific structures and frequencies.

[0033] The device is practical because it can be autonomous in that it does not need maintenance or replacement and will produce electrical energy whenever vibrations are present. The feasibility of the device is enhanced by its planar structure. The device can be fabricated in a variety of ways and can be mass produced. While the device is particularly well suited for use within an aircraft in association with an autonomous sensor, it may also find usefulness in avionic backup systems, cellular telephones, and/or handheld computers, among others.

[0034] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An energy harvesting device comprising: a structure having a plurality of discrete resonant frequencies; and a piezoelectric member disposed in vibration receiving relation to said structure.
 2. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a circuit electrically communicating with said piezoelectric member.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein said structure further comprises a plurality of elongated members, said elongated members varying in resonant frequencies.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein each of said elongated members has a different resonant frequency.
 5. The device of claim 3 wherein said elongated members vary in at least one of length, mass, and mass distribution.
 6. The device of claim 3 wherein said elongated members further comprise aluminum.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein said aluminum elongated members are coated with a non-conductive material.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is substantially planar.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein said structure further comprises: an essentially annular housing; and a plurality of inwardly projecting beams.
 10. The device of claim 1 wherein said structure further comprises: a central hub; and a plurality of radially projecting beams.
 11. An energy harvesting device comprising: a base; a plurality of cantilevered beams extending from said base, said plurality of beams varying in resonant frequencies; and a piezoelectric member coupled to said plurality of beams in a vibration receiving relationship.
 12. The device of claim 11 wherein said plurality of beams vary in at least one of length, mass, and mass distribution.
 13. The device of claim 11 further comprising: a circuit electrically coupled to said piezoelectric member.
 14. The device of claim 11 wherein said piezoelectric member further comprises a plurality of piezoelectric members separately coupled to said plurality of beams.
 15. The device of claim 14 wherein a pair of said plurality of piezoelectric members are coupled to each beam.
 16. A device comprising: a base; a plurality of cantilevered beams extending from said base, said plurality of beams having different lengths yielding different resonant frequencies; a piezoelectric member coupled to each beam; and a circuit electrically connected to each piezoelectric member.
 17. The device of claim 16 wherein said device is substantially planar.
 18. The device of claim 16 wherein said base further comprises a substantially annular member.
 19. The device of claim 16 further comprising electrodes coupled to each piezoelectric member and said circuit.
 20. The device of claim 16 further comprising a second piezoelectric member coupled to each beam. 